Weston College Group is entering an exciting new chapter for technical education following its recognition as one of only four Technical Excellence Colleges (TECs) for Advanced Manufacturing in England. As it prepares to open its flagship technical training facility at Airbus Filton this September, the College has unveiled its new identity: AMTEC – the Advanced Manufacturing Technical Excellence College. Previously …
University Centre Weston (UCW), in partnership with the University of the West of England (UWE), is celebrating the approval of its first new Degree Apprenticeship for Weston College’s new campus in Filton: the BEng (Hons) Electronics Engineering and Embedded Systems Design programme. The approval marks an important milestone for UCW, and Weston College as a new Advanced Manufacturing Technical Excellence College (TEC), strengthening opportunities for learners and employers while …
Students, staff and partners gathered this week to celebrate achievement and excellence at the University Centre Weston (UCW) Awards 2026, marking both an outstanding year of success and ten years of higher education at UCW. The annual awards recognised exceptional academic performance, personal resilience and outstanding contributions to the UCW community, alongside national accolades achieved by UCW students over the past year. …
University Centre Weston, part of the Weston College Group, was proud to support a recent visit from senior representatives from the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) and the West of England Combined Authority (WECA) to the Group’s new Aerospace Skills Academy at Airbus, Filton. Visitors included Chris Barton CMG, Director for Local and International Growth at the Department for …
We’re celebrating Engineering degree apprentice George who has been accepted for the Whitworth Scholarship Award! We caught up with him to find out all about this impressive achievement! George started by explaining the history of the scholarship: “The Whitworth Scholarship is named after Sir Joseph Whitworth, a Victorian era engineer & entrepreneur ranking alongside great men such as George Stephenson, and Isambard Kingdom Brunel. Sir Joseph Whitworth’s legacy lives on as his trust still funds the …
This International Women’s Day, we’re taking a moment to look back at some of the incredible women who have achieved incredible things while studying at UCW! These people have shown determination, talent and have made a real impact! Beth studied on our BA (Hons) Graphic Design course, using her time with us to experiment, refine her skills, and push the boundaries of her creative practice. One of …
Weston College and University Centre Weston (UCW) have announced plans for an exciting new Skills Academy in the Aerospace & Defence space, located at Airbus Filton, Bristol. Set to welcome its first learners in September 2026, the Skills Academy will offer a unique, industry-led training environment designed to equip future engineers and technicians with the advanced skills required across aerospace, …
Degree Apprentice Jack Lewis has been crowned the Association of Colleges (AoC) Apprentice of the Year at the annual AoC Conference and Exhibition, an event that celebrates exceptional students from colleges across England. The national awards recognise individuals who have excelled academically while making significant contributions to their colleges, workplaces, and communities. As always, the competition was fierce, with a high volume …
A big congratulations to Prithvi Ramesh, who won in the Engineering and Manufacturing category at the Multicultural Apprenticeship Awards! This is an incredible achievement, and all of us here at UCW are incredibly proud! We caught up with Prithvi to hear all about his win. Prithvi is currently studying the BEng Aerospace Engineering degree in partnership with the University of the West of England. This course …
UCW student Prithvi has been named a finalist in the Engineering and Manufacturing category at the prestigious Multicultural Apprenticeship Awards, recognising his outstanding achievements and dedication as a Rolls-Royce degree apprentice. Prithvi began his journey with UCW by studying the first year of his BEng Aerospace Engineering degree, delivered in partnership with UWE Bristol, as part of his degree apprenticeship with Rolls-Royce …
University Centre Weston (UCW) held its 2025 graduation ceremony on Saturday the 20th of September. Students, staff, friends and family all came together to celebrate everyone’s hard work and achievements! After getting into their robes and donning their caps, graduands lined up for a procession through the Italian Gardens to the Winter Gardens Ballroom. Here they heard speeches from our …
We are delighted to announce that UCW student Jack Lewis has been shortlisted for Apprentice of the Year at the Association of College’s annual AoC Awards! These prestigious awards recognise the best of the best students from colleges and higher education across the whole of the UK. UCW alumni, Kam Stevens has previously been shortlisted for and won the Higher …
Thomas Warr, an apprentice studying for his Higher Technical Qualification (HTQ) in Mechanical Engineering, was recognised for his dedication, skill, and ambition. His commitment to consistently high standards has made him a standout student and a valued team member. Having completed his apprenticeship at Weston College, Thomas chose to continue his studies at University Centre Weston, where he could build …
The results are in, and UCW has received brilliant feedback in the National Student Survey for 2025! UCW is now above the national average in all nine areas of the survey! This is a reflection of the incredible amount of work put in by our academic and support staff. UCW’s academic support continues to stand out as a key highlight …
Danielle Taylor’s time at University Centre Weston is a remarkable example of dedication, perseverance, and excellence. As a Quantity Surveying student, she has consistently demonstrated outstanding academic performance while balancing the demands of a full-time work placement and, remarkably, becoming a mother during her studies. Her commitment to her education and profession has earned her a well-deserved nomination for Engineering …
Every year, Weston College and University Centre Weston award the Luke Wheaton Trust scholarship to one of our engineering apprentices. This is in memory of former Weston College learner Luke Wheaton, an inspiring learner who worked with Wessex Water. Each scholarship is worth £4,000, with students receiving £1,000 per year for up to four years. The scholarship is renewable annually, …
Emma is currently studying a degree apprenticeship in Construction Site Management at UCW. For Emma, the decision to take this route was not only about gaining industry knowledge, but also about finding a style of learning that worked best for her. “Studying a degree apprenticeship at UCW is enabling me to gain knowledge and a HNC qualification while also learning …
The winners of the 2025 Somerset Business Awards were announced recently, at the prestigious Winter Gardens Pavilion. With nearly 400 people from across Somerset in attendance, winners from across industries were announced, including UCW apprentice, Jack Lewis, working at Singer Instruments – who was named as Apprentice of the Year. Jack who is studying the Level 6 Manufacturing Engineering Degree Apprenticeship, has …
UCW is very proud to launch our brand-new prospectus for 2026! Our prospectus is the best place to find out about our courses, with sections for all of our subject areas including Art, Media and Design, Business and Professional Services, Computing and Digital Technologies, Counselling and Healthcare, Education, Inclusive Practice and Criminology, Engineering and Construction, Performance and Production Arts and …
BY CLAIRE ARBERY, Director of the West of England Institute of Technology As we look towards 2050 and the UK’s longer-term ambitions around reducing our carbon footprint and greenhouse emissions, Colleges in the region are stepping up to the challenge by preparing their students for the careers that will be plentiful around green energy and power supply. The …
UCW hosted a groundbreaking session as part of its Lecture Series entitled Breaking Barriers: Engineering and Sustainability. The session threw light on the power of resilience, innovation, and diversity within the realm of engineering, besides stereotypes which help young women students to choose a STEM career path. This impactful event was led by the West of England Institute of Technology …
Curious about degree apprenticeships but unsure what they really involve or how they might work for you? We spoke with Sharna, our Apprenticeship Recruitment & Skills Marketing Lead, to tackle the most common questions we get about degree apprenticeships! What is a degree apprenticeship? A degree apprenticeship is an excellent step in your career, offering the opportunity to gain practical …
Level 4 Quantity Surveying learners in their second year had an informative guest lecture with Harvey from Berry Redmond Gordon and Penney Solicitors. This gave them vital knowledge about property legislation. The lecture began with a talk on conveyancing. This then moved on to discussing land ownership and land sale. The talk was interactive, with students able to ask any …
Finding the perfect balance between gaining hands-on experience and academics can be challenging. For many, degree apprenticeships offer the ideal solution. Combining paid employment with a university-level qualification, these programmes equip apprentices with the skills, knowledge, and qualifications needed for their chosen careers—all while earning while they learn! We spoke to Daniel, a degree apprentice studying at UCW while he …
Students on the Level 4 Quantity Surveying Higher Technical Qualification (HTQ) recently had the chance to learn from industry expert Huw! Huw is a partner at VWV who came in to discuss adjudication, and how it is used in the construction industry. Huw carefully broke down the process that he and his company would follow during an adjudication dispute. …
We’re celebrating one of our outstanding degree apprentices, George who recently won the IMECHE Apprentice of the Year Award! We caught up with him to find out more about this impressive award. George was invited to London for the awards ceremony, complete with welcome drinks, afternoon tea and a networking event. “Getting this award was an absolute honour, especially as …
We recently spoke to former degree apprentice Immanuel, talking about his time studying with UCW while working for Airbus. His journey combines perseverance and passion, as he balances academic achievements with practical industry experience. Immanuel chose a degree apprenticeship to work for Airbus. Working for one of the biggest aviation companies in the world lined up perfectly with his love …
Yesterday UCW hosted an inspiring guest lecture led by Suzanne from the Institute of Civil Engineers (ICE), aimed at empowering Civil Engineering apprentices with vital knowledge and skills for their careers. The session provided a comprehensive breakdown of key topics, showcasing the value of ICE membership, guidance for excelling in end-point assessments, and insights into career progression within the Civil …
Hollie, a dedicated quantity surveying apprentice, was shortlisted for the Engineering & Construction Student of the Year award at UCW. With 18 months of industry experience, Hollie is deeply committed to her apprenticeship. She explains why she chose UCW: “UCW was the most organised and efficient college while I was looking and it was a bonus that it wasn’t too …
At the heart of UCW is our fantastic lecturers. Experts in their industries, their dedication to students is vital to everyone’s success! UCW lecturers emphasise dedication to student success and the ability to inspire through dynamic and engaging instruction. Their diverse professional backgrounds not only enrich the learning environment but also help foster a culture of intellectual curiosity and creativity. …
UCW is proud to expand its range of Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs), providing a dynamic and practical educational pathway for students eager to gain valuable skills and secure well-paid jobs in key technical sectors. Designed in partnership with employers and approved by the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE), UCW’s HTQs align with industry standards and modern workplace …
Meet Ben, who was named the Construction Professions, Trades, and Services Student of the Year at Weston College’s Celebration of Success event. He exemplified excellence in his two-year T-Level course in Design, Surveying, and Planning in Construction. His outstanding performance was particularly evident during his industry work placement at Hydrock, where he impressed with his knowledge and understanding of their …
Benjamin Mclaughlin, the recipient of the Engineering & Construction Student of the Year Award at University Centre Weston, has demonstrated remarkable dedication and achievement over his eight-year journey with the Weston College group. Progressing from a Level 3 course through an HNC, and now on to a Higher National Diploma, Benjamin has been an integral part of the academic community. …
Learners studying their Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQ) in Quantity Surveying, Civil Engineering, Design and Build and Site Supervisors, recently attended a site visit to a new student accommodation block being built in Bristol. HTQ’s are level 4 and level 5 qualifications which take place between completing A Levels or T levels and starting a degree. They are job-focused qualifications which …
UCW student Shahbaz, currently on the Electro-Mechanical Engineering Degree Apprenticeship course, shares his positive experiences and the impact UCW has had on his academic and professional growth. Shahbaz highlights the significant role UCW has played in enhancing his practical skills and preparing him for the workforce. “UCW has helped my practical skills to grow and prepared me for my work …
We’re catching up with one of our engineering lecturers, Deelaka! Deelaka is one of our excellent engineering lecturers here at UCW, known for his passion for teaching Higher Education students. His favourite part of his role lies in imparting knowledge and shaping the minds of budding engineers. Specialising in Dynamic Modelling and Simulation, Deelaka thrives while guiding students through this …
Last year Weston College and University Centre Weston (UCW) launched a new scholarship, for Engineering learners, in partnership with the Luke Wheaton Trust, which honours the memory of former learner Luke Wheaton, one of Weston College’s most inspiring apprentices working with Wessex Water. The scholarship, which is available for one student, per year, is open to any apprentice studying on …
Ever wondered what it’s like to be a degree apprentice? Meet 2nd Year Aerospace Engineering apprentice Maddie, a talented engineer who works for GKN Aerospace and studies through UCW at the multi-million pound GKN Global Technology Centre (GTC). Maddie loves the fact that her classrooms are embedded into her workplace, saying: “this helps me to relate the content …
We are very pleased to announce that we have launched four brand new FREE short courses for individuals in employment! These fantastic short courses give you a taste of what a full degree is like for those that are unsure if higher education is for them – they can also be used as part of your continued professional development. …
It’s time to introduce UCW Engineering Student Callum! Callum is currently studying the BEng Aerospace engineering Design Apprenticeship, studying at the GKN Global Technology Centre (GTC) in Bristol. We asked Callum; what does a typical day in your life look like? “Firstly, I arrive at 8:00 ready for tutor where I get myself ready for learning by grabbing a laptop …
How can you become an Aerospace Engineering Degree Apprentice? Meet Emily, a dedicated and driven individual who is currently embarking on a 4-year degree apprenticeship in Aerospace Engineering (Manufacturing pathway) with the esteemed GKN Aerospace. We recently caught up with her to find out more about her journey with UCW. When asked about her decision to pursue an apprenticeship, Emily …
Here at University Centre Weston, we take pride in nurturing the talents of our students and helping them excel in their chosen fields. Today, we are excited to introduce Mustafa, a remarkable individual who is making waves through UCW’s Aerospace Engineering Degree Apprenticeship Programme. Since he was young, Mustafa was captivated by the idea of aerospace and the infinite possibilities …
June 23rd marks an important day on the calendar for the engineering community and beyond – International Women in Engineering Day. This annual event serves as a powerful reminder of the contributions, achievements, and ongoing challenges faced by women in the field of engineering. It is a day to recognise and celebrate the remarkable women who have shattered glass ceilings …
Weston College has launched a new scholarship, for Engineering learners, in partnership with the Luke Wheaton Trust. The scholarship, which is available for one student, per year, is open to any apprentice studying on a Level 2, 3, 4 or 6 Engineering apprenticeship at Weston College. The scholarship was introduced to honour the memory of former learner Luke Wheaton, one …
UCW Engineering Degree Apprentice, Jared Newnham, has been named the Institution of Engineering and Technology’s (IET) Apprentice winner. At age 20, Ministry of Defence Aerospace Engineering Degree Apprentice, Jared, is currently undertaking a placement as an Airworthiness Certification Manager, where he is responsible for increasing air system operational capabilities through risk reduction and type design change embodiment. As part of …
Have you ever considered pursuing a career in Engineering but feel a classroom is not the best place for you? Or perhaps you’d like to earn while you study? Here at University Centre Weston we offer just that! With our Engineering Degree Apprenticeship you have the chance to take control of your career. If you want to establish your …
With the summer holidays well underway, students with offers from universities are eagerly awaiting those all important college exam results. The question we always get over the summer break though is… “Is it too late to apply”?! To that we say: Not at all! We can consider applications throughout the summer for most of our courses through the process called …
Currently worth £117 billion per year, the construction industry employs 2.7 million people in the UK. With the industry continuing to grow, we’re proud to offer various routes into construction, including nationally recognised HNC’s and Higher Apprenticeships. Thanks to the plethora of courses available in Weston-super-Mare, it’s possible for learners to enter at any level at Weston College and progress …
Weston College toasted the outstanding success of learners and employer partners for the first time in three years, at triumphant return of The Business Awards on Thursday night (June 30). Winners from a range of categories were presented with awards at the Oscars-style event at The Winter Gardens. It was here that, as well as winning Engineering and Manufacturing Apprentice …
The Advanced Engineering and Manufacturing industry is growing at a quick pace, with lots of exciting opportunities to work with the latest technology available in the area. Here at UCW we’re proud to offer a variety of Degree Apprenticeships whereby learners work and earn whilst they learn on site with a high profile employer. One of our most popular programmes …
On the morning of Friday 15th October, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson MP visited GKN Aerospace’s Global Technology Centre (GTC) in Bristol to see first-hand how GKN Aerospace is shaping a more sustainable future of flight. The Prime Minister, accompanied by Foreign Secretary Liz Truss MP, officially opened the £32M centre, which was jointly funded by GKN Aerospace and the …
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